“This place has great bones,” said Consumers Energy Foundation's David Mengebier. “I think it has a lot of potential.”

Both of the projects are aimed at economic development, with the market designed to help with redeveloping the city’s downtown and the historical park having the potential to draw tourists.

The park -- managed by the Muskegon County’s Lakeshore Museum Center -- will have a half-mile, handicap-accessible loop trail with historical exhibits along the way from 10,000 years of Michigan history. The project will cost $1.7 million to construct, and most of the money has been raised, although museum Director John McGarry continues to raise money for a foundation that will help with the park’s operation costs. It is scheduled to open in May 2015.

“I am humbled and extremely pleased,” McGarry said Thursday night. He said that the park's camp for a civilian conservation corps would be dedicated in honor of the foundation.

The new farmers market, which is moving from its previous location on Yuba Street, will have 159 vendor stalls in a 10,000-square-foot facility with an indoor market space for offseason operations, as well as a commercial kitchen for community use. The Muskegon Farmers Market is a $3.9 million project, most of which has been funded by donations. A "soft" opening is planned for Saturday, May 3.